Imperial Family of Japan Current Events Part 3: May 2017 -

[Prisma]

Thanks iceflower! 14 people, including leaders of 9 countries, attended the 40 minute event. It's the first tea party since August 2019 for the 7th TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development).

Source: NTV

More photos: FNN, AFLO Images, AP Images

Emperor, Empress Met with Foreign Dignitaries; 1st Tea Reception in over 4 Years - The Japan News

[...] The Emperor gave an address in English, saying he has high expectations that their friendship, goodwill and cooperative relationships will develop further.

 

[victor1319]

A tea party? Well, that sounds... sober.

I liked the architecture, also interior of the building very much.

Do we know, who the lady in gold was?

 

[Prisma]

I think the lady in gold is Pich Chanmony, wife of Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet.

More farewell photos after the tea party: https://8760.news-postseven.com/106079

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According to TV Tokyo, the Imperial Household Agency is preparing for the Imperial women to wear tiaras at New Year Receptions for the first time in 4 years, since refraining due to the pandemic and economic situation. Princess Aiko will borrow Aunt Sayako's tiara since her coming-of-age parure has been postponed.

However, the decision on tiaras largely depends on Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's consideration of public sentiment.

Source: https://txbiz.tv-tokyo.co.jp/txn/news_txn/post_287873

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ETA: no mask requirement for anyone at New Year Poetry Reading

[...]

Utakai Hajime no Gi (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) will be held January 19.

- except for poetry singers, others will not be required to wear masks
- acrylic boards around the singers will not be used
- number of attendees remains reduced to maintain some distance and ventilation

Source: FNN

After reviewing the current coronavirus situation, the IHA decided poetry singers will not be required to wear masks.

Source: FNN

 

[Prisma]

Tiaras will return at 2024 New Year Receptions.

The Imperial Household Agency announced Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's decision on December 26. While Their Majesties are concerned there are many people who still face various difficulties, they took into consideration that others are gradually returning to their daily lives.

Per Their Majesties wishes, the Imperial women refrained from wearing tiaras at 2021-2023 New Year Receptions due to the pandemic and poor economic situation.

Sources: TBS, FNN, NTV

 

[sunflowers]

I really like that decision about tiaras. It shows that imperial family is sensitive and responsive to the society straggles.

 

[doro]

Tiaras will return at 2024 New Year Receptions.

The Imperial Household Agency announced Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's decision on December 26. While Their Majesties are concerned there are many people who still face various difficulties, they took into consideration that others are gradually returning to their daily lives.

Per Their Majesties wishes, the Imperial women refrained from wearing tiaras at 2021-2023 New Year Receptions due to the pandemic and poor economic situation.

Sources: TBS, FNN, NTV

Woohoo ???! Good news!! I've posted my guesses to the new year reception

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, Empress Emerita Michiko, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Prince and Princess Hitachi and Princesses Aiko, Kako, Yuriko, Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend the 2024 New Year general public greetings on January 2nd at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.

There will be a total of 5 greeting sessions:
* First session: 10:10 a.m.
* Second session: 11:00 a.m.
* Third session: 11:50 a.m.
* Fourth session: 1:30 p.m.
* Fifth session: 2:20 p.m.

Princess Yōko never attends greetings (for obvious health reasons) so it's no surprise that she doesn't attend. I'm sorry to see that Princess Nobuko will be absent, too bad. She seemed fine to me and I thought she had recovered enough from the fall to be able to attend. I'm hoping for a last minute change of plans.

Prince and Princess Hitachi and Princess Yuriko will only attend the first session. Princesses Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend the first and second sessions and Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko will attend the first, second and third sessions.
So, only Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princesses Aiko and Kako will attend the full sessions.

Source: The Imperial Household Agency official website

 

[doro]

What is wrong with Yoko's health?

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

What is wrong with Yoko's health?

The Princess suffers from Ménière's syndrome which causes hearing problems. The noisy crowd on January 2 would cause ear discomfort for the Princess

 

[Prisma]

2024 New Year message, photos and videos of Emperor, Emeritus and Akishino families

Emperor Naruhito's New Year message: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/page/gokanso/show/7

Japan Emperor Hopes for Support for Needy People to Expand - Nippon

Japanese Emperor Naruhito, in a New Year's message on Monday, expressed his wish that support will expand for people in difficulties, including those affected by natural disasters and soaring prices.

"I wish moves to support people needing help will increase," the Emperor said in the written message, released through the Imperial Household Agency, expressing his sympathy to those who are struggling.

On the global front, Emperor Naruhito said it is painful that many lives are being lost in wars and conflicts. "I'm reminded of the importance of people trying to understand each other and cooperate to build a peaceful world."

"I pray that the new year will be a year in which people in our country and around the world can move forward with bright hopes," the Emperor said.

[...]

January 1 schedule: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/news/gyouziitiran-r060101.html

Photo/video information:
- Emperor Naruhito's family with a ceramic figurine of dragon wrapped around a jewel on December 23 at Imperial residence. The piece was owned by the Chichibu family and currently kept at the Museum of Imperial Collections (Sannomaru Shōzokan). The museum asked the family to select from dragon related works for the photo shoot. Their Majesties and Princess Aiko chose the ceramic piece because they were impressed by the gold leaf and skillful depiction of the dragon's face and legs.
- Emeritus couple on December 11
- Crown Prince Akishino family with photo album of couple's visit to Vietnam and cloth dragon figurine on December 19. The figure was made by deaf people in Hanoi
- dragon is 2024's zodiac animal
- families continue separate New Year content despite downgrade of Covid-19 status and removal of restrictions

Photos, sources: Asahi, Mainichi, FNN (includes screenshots), Mainichi

Cleaner video: https://www.gov-online.go.jp/imperial_family_channel/202401/video-277175.html

ETA: expectations / predictions for 2024 from NTV
- UK state visit in first half of 2024
- resume state visits to Japan
- Princess Aiko's solo debut, first speech
- Prince Hisahito's coming of age press conference
- Emeritus couple resume retreat to Hayama Imperial Villa

Japan emperor hopes for compassion in 2024 amid wars, disasters - Kyodo News

[...]

The emperor said his "heart ached for the many lives lost" in the wars and conflicts around the world, adding that such events "once again remind me of the importance of striving for mutual understanding and cooperation in order to build a peaceful world."

His address comes as the Russian war in Ukraine is about to enter its third year, and Israel's war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas shows little signs of abating.

[...]

 

[Prisma]

On January 1st, the Imperial family attended New Year Receptions at the Imperial Palace's Matsu-no-Ma state room. Greetings from family, relatives, members of government, supreme court, IHA staff, Imperial Guard, ambassadors, and former aides. Spouses were included.

There was much attention on Princess Aiko, her tiara debut at New Year celebrations. Before 1pm, she visited the Emeritus couple at Sento Imperial residence for New Year's greetings.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, FNN, FNN2, AP Images, Getty Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1741665816490483753

https://twitter.com/x/status/1741689385031291350

https://twitter.com/x/status/1741689684932386920

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

The 2024 New Year general public greetings on January 2nd were canceled following the disaster caused by the earthquake that hit Ishikawa Prefecture a few days ago. This represents the wishes of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Sources: NHK, Kyodo News

Imperial Family’s Public New Year Greetings to Be Canceled Due to Noto Peninsula Earthquake (UPDATE 1) - The Japan News

[...]

The Imperial Household Agency made the cancellation announcement on Monday night.

The agency said that the Emperor and Empress are incredibly worried about the situation in the affected areas and hope rescue efforts in the cold weather will be conducted as quickly as possible.

Considering the Emperor and Empress’ sentiments, the agency canceled the event.

[...]

Although it seems like too exaggerated a choice to me, the NHK article reminds us that Imperial Family events are often postponed and therefore I hope for the same for the general greetings. Maybe postpone them to another day in January? Or perhaps carry out the New Year greetings in conjunction with those on the occasion of the Emperor's birthday on February 23rd and therefore allow the participation of the Hitachi, Mikasa and Takamado families in the event and not exclude them just because they are collateral branches? The members of these families truly deserve an appearance on the balcony.

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On January 3rd, Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, and Princesses Aiko, Kako, Akiko, Yōko, Hisako, and Tsuguko attended the Genshi-sai Ceremony on the occasion of New Year at the shrines of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.

Source: Asahi Imperial Schedule January 1st-7th

(copied at https://blog.goo.ne.jp/umenohanatiru/e/7a6aca07ee87c56b9a8c2dee2f09684a)

-----

The annual Memorial Ceremony for Emperor Showa will be held on January 7th.
Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princesses Akiko, Yōko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend the ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Princess Kako will attend the ceremony at the late Emperor's Mausoleum.

Source: Asahi Imperial Schedule January 1st-7th

(copied at https://blog.goo.ne.jp/umenohanatiru/e/7a6aca07ee87c56b9a8c2dee2f09684a)

 

[Prisma]

I'm somewhat neutral about going ahead or canceling the New Year's general public greetings. The earthquake stuck in the afternoon and news of cancellation reported late January 1 or very early January 2, suggesting the IHA and Their Majesties were debating what to do. Although it's the first cancellation due to a natural disaster, it's reasonable.

Besides the pandemic, other canceled public greetings per Sankei:
1990, New Year, mourning Emperor Showa's death
1996, Emperor Akihito's birthday, hostage crisis at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Peru

Since the general public can greet Emperor Naruhito on his birthday next month, rescheduling the New Year greetings doesn't seem likely. Best scenario would be adding sessions instead of the usual 3 birthday public greeting sessions.

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Empress Masako worshipped privately for Genshisai on January 3 while other Imperial family attended the court ritual at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries.

Source: Sankei

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Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) will be held on January 11 and Princess Aiko will attend for the first time. This year's lectures will be on Japanese language, criminal procedure law and physical chemistry.

Sources: FNN, NTV

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ETA: On January 5th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako expressed condolences to victims of the earthquake, through their Grand Chamberlain Koro Bessho, to Governor Hase Hiroshi of Ishikawa Prefecture. They also conveyed gratitude to all involved in disaster relief efforts.

The Emeritus couple are closely following news of the Noto Peninsula earthquake and deeply saddened about the Haneda Airport collision. Crown Prince Akishino family are also worried about evacuees in the winter weather.

Soures: Sankei, FNN

Japan Emperor, Empress Mourn Central Japan Quake Victims - Nippon

 

[Prisma]

On January 7th, Imperial family members attended the annual memorial on Emperor Showa's death at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries. Emperor Naruhito and Princess Aiko attended but there are no visuals since they already reside within the palace.

Crown Princess Kiko, who has been unwell since late 2023 with gastrointestinal issues, attended the morning ceremony and her time wearing traditional clothing was shortened. She did not attend the evening memorial as she reassessed by an IHA doctor after the morning event and advised to rest for at least 1-2 days.

Arrival photos of Akishino, Mikasa and Takamado families: FNN

See post 355 in Akishino couple thread for more information on Kiko's health

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Crown Prince Akishino and Princesses Aiko, Kako, Akiko, Yōko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend the Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) cerimony on January 11th at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are not scheduled to attend the event according to the article, but surely they will attend as well as they did in past years. Crown Princess Kiko is ill and so unable to attend. I think Princess Nobuko is recovering from her fall and so she will not join the other Imperial Family members.

Source: Asahi Imperial Schedule January 8th-14th

(copied at https://blog.goo.ne.jp/umenohanatiru/e/db5ebed5fac695dde1a0d6bc80c1784d)

 

[Prisma]

On January 11th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Imperial family attended Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) at the Imperial Palace. Crown Princess Kiko attended despite ongoing gastrointestinal problems.

Satoshi Kinsui, Professor Emeritus of Osaka University, Japanese Language Studies, "About Verbal Stereotypes and Role Words"

Masahito Inoue, Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo, Criminal Procedure Law, "Evolution and Challenges of Investigation Methods"

Keiko Nishikawa, Professor Emeritus of Chiba University, Physical Chemistry, "Exploring the Structure of Matter through Fluctuations"

Photos: Asahi, Mainichi, AP Images, Getty Images, Sankei, FNN (mixed with New Year Receptions)

https://twitter.com/x/status/1745320541429588363

https://twitter.com/x/status/1745339480855458248

 

[Prisma]

Later on January 7th, Princess Hisako and Princess Tsuguko visited Emperor Showa's mausoleum at Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachiōji, Tokyo.

Photos/video: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=847028737432753&set=pcb.847029064099387
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=24531025973212053&set=pcb.24531027116545272

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=7721299621219978

Earlier in the morning, Princess Kako worshipped at Emperor Showa's mausoleum while other Imperial family attended a memorial ceremony at the Palace Sanctuaries.

Video of Kako returning home:

-----

Longer video of 2024 New Year celebrations:
- Akishino family arrival at palace
- reception for members of government (lower house?)
- greetings from ambassadors + spouses
- Princess Aiko travels to Akasaka Estate

Full video of Kousho Hajime (Imperial New Year's Lectures) on January 11

 

[MarieAmelie_95]

Crown Prince Akishino and Princesses Kako, Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko will attend the Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) ceremony at the Imperial Palace on January 19th.

As always, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are not listed to attend, but they will certainly be there as always. Crown Princess Kiko is not expected to attend I think due to her health, Princess Nobuko is recovering from her fall (I think) and Princess Yōko is not attending due to the discomfort it would cause her to hear the poems due to her Ménière's syndrome.

Source: Asahi Imperial Schedule January 15th-21st

(copied at https://blog.goo.ne.jp/umenohanatiru/e/5e6da450f23232be95dd1e9e7351ecec)

 

[Prisma]

On January 19th, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princesses Kako, Akiko, Hisako and Tsuguko attended Ceremony of the Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) at the Imperial Palace.

Photos: Mainichi, Asahi, FNN, NHK, Getty Images, AP Images

https://twitter.com/x/status/1748235030525309424

https://twitter.com/x/status/1748210157400834519

2024's theme is "Wa" (harmony or peace).

English translation of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Aiko's poems: https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-culture/pdf/utakai-r06.pdf

Poems for other Imperial family, selected poets and public winners: Sankei, NTV

Next year's theme is dreams.

Japan's emperor pens poem to reflect on warm welcome during visits - Kyodo News

New Year Poetry Reading Held at Imperial Palace in Tokyo; This Year’s Works Inspired by ‘Wa’ or Harmony - The Japan News

[...]

Themed on “wa” (harmony) this year, the event showcased poems composed by the Emperor, the Empress, and other members of the Imperial family. Additionally, among the featured works were 10 poems selected from 15,270 submissions, poems by members of the selection panel, and a piece by Towao Sakaehara, 77, the director of the research center for the history of Todaiji temple who was invited by the Emperor to participate in the event. The poems were recited in a melodious style, adhering to tradition.

[...]

Princess Aiko composed her poem to express her fascination with old waka poetry. She has been impressed to learn in her university studies that waka poems composed from the 10th to 13th centuries have survived nearly 1,000 years and been passed on to contemporary people. The princess did not attend the ceremony on Friday, as she prioritized her academic work at university.

[...]

The number of people invited to the poetry reading, which was about 100 before the COVID-19 pandemic, increased from last year, but was limited to 25.

 

[Prisma]

Full version of Utakai Hajime (Imperial New Year's Poetry Reading) on January 19. This year, Princess Tsuguko's poem represented the extended Imperial family poem.

0:00 arrivals of general public winners, etc.
1:08 Imperial family enters
7:06 general public poems
47:25 Princess Tsuguko
50:50 Crown Princess Kiko
54:20 Crown Prince Akishino
58:41 Empress Masako
1:05:36 Emperor Naruhito

 

[iceflower]

Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako attended the Kanto & Tokai Flower Exhibition in Tokyo today:


** Pic ** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

On January 26th in the morning, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko and Princess Kako visited the 72nd Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition at Sunshine City Bunka Kaikan in Toshima, Tokyo.

Photos: FNN, AP Images

In the afternoon, Princess Akiko of Mikasa and Princess Takamado (Hisako) visited the 72nd Kanto Tokai Flower Exhibition.

Photo: NTV

 

[Prisma]

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will meet and host a court luncheon for President William Samoei Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya on February 9.

Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Aiko will attend court luncheon, which continues to limit number of attendees to prevent infection. Crown Princess Kiko was originally scheduled to attend but canceled due to gastrointestinal issues.

This will be Princess Aiko's first time at luncheon for foreign dignitaries.

Sources: NTV, FNN, TBS

President of the Republic of Kenya and Mrs. Ruto to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

I'm thrilled Princess Aiko is attending but disappointed full-scale luncheon with extended Imperial family remains unachievable. Sigh.

 

[Prisma]

On February 9th, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako met President William Samoei Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto of Kenya at the Imperial Palace for about 20 minutes. Discussion topics included expansion of collaboration on environmental conservation, social justice, and equity. Also, the Emperor and President exchanged sympathies and condolences regarding Japan's Noto Peninsula earthquake and Kenya's drought and floods.

Their Majesties hosted luncheon for the Presidential couple, accompanied by Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Aiko. Emperor Naruhito gave a toast in Swahili and Princess Aiko used Swahili at introductions. President Ruto told her, "Please come to Kenya." [NTV]

Princess Aiko was seated between President Ruto and the Kenyan Minister of Trade, Investments and Industry, Rebecca Miano, and used English almost without needing an interpreter. [FNN]

Photos: FNN, Getty Images, Asahi, Mainichi

https://www.facebook.com/williamsamoei/posts/pfbid0DrE39yJP5Ao2CmsWtVnTnkHiqbNxD2PM3hfeEGzZzJR7NjWneyFo47aGJ6SHzs6wl

https://www.facebook.com/CitizenTVKe/posts/pfbid0rhaQ2PDcCJBkGHEBSUamVARX7BbTSwteddRLtvg7EkxeBVFUwZTsokxqAJqvVzojl

https://twitter.com/x/status/1755846317522211068

https://twitter.com/x/status/1755846145606029773

https://twitter.com/x/status/1755846030711480817

https://twitter.com/OfficePCS_KE/status/1755860646694982122
https://twitter.com/OfficePCS_KE/status/1755860588566110667
https://twitter.com/Kenyans/status/1755847750380331067

Japan's Imperial Family Meets Kenyan Presidential Couple | Nippon.com

[...]

According to the Imperial Household Agency, the Emperor expressed his gratitude for the Kenyan president's message of sympathy following the massive earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on Jan. 1.

Meanwhile, the Emperor expressed his sympathy to the people of Kenya for the droughts and floods in the African country.

Japan's Princess Aiko welcomes foreign dignitaries for first time | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

[...]

The agency says the princess gave them greetings in Swahili, which is widely spoken in Kenya, when she was introduced to the guests by her parents.

During the luncheon, Princess Aiko was seated between President Ruto and a Kenyan cabinet minister, and conversed with them in English almost without the help of an interpreter.

The princess thanked President Ruto when she was invited to visit Kenya.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vlOcFjUfRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGapxQQ57wQ

 

[Prisma]

Their Royal Highnesses The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Brunei Darussalam to Visit Japan | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

1. His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, Crown Princess of Brunei Darussalam will pay an Official Visit to Japan from 7 to 8, and 11 March.
   
   
2. During their stay in Japan, Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will have an Imperial Audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will host a Court Luncheon in honor of Their Royal Highnesses. Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, will also hold a meeting with His Royal Highness and Prime Minister and Mrs. Kishida will host a dinner for Their Royal Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. [...]

Crown Prince Akishino couple will welcome Brunei's Crown Prince couple at the airport on March 7.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, accompanied by the Crown Prince Akishino couple, will host luncheon on March 8.

Source: NTV

I guess this means Crown Princess Kiko's gastrointestinal problem has resolved, or improved enough, since she will attend luncheon.

 

[iceflower]

Brunei's Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah were welcomed by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko at Tokyo's Haneda airport yesterday, March 7:


** gettyimages gallery **

Today, March 8, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako received Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Crown Princess Sarah for a meeting at the Imperial Palace and hosted a luncheon for them. Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended as well, as announced:


** gettyimages gallery **

 

[Prisma]

The spring garden party will be held on April 23.

• Number of guests will return to pre-pandemic levels. ~1000
• Soft drinks and light snacks such as sandwiches, canapés, and sushi rolls will be served but no alcohol
• No mask requirement

Source: TBS, Jiji

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More on March 8: Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako had an audience with Crown Prince Billah and Crown Princess Sarah of Brunei for about 15 minutes. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-Brunei diplomatic relations. His Majesty expressed gratitude for the message of sympathy for the Noto Peninsula earthquake from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Gifts presented were Wajima lacquered jewelry box and a handbag made of Saga Nishiki, a textile traditional to the Kyushu region. The Crown Prince couple and their 4 children will visit Kyoto this weekend.

As Brunei is an Islamic country, no alcohol was served at luncheon and no toast was held. Japanese appetizers included steamed spiny lobster and scallop tempura. Emperor Naruhito mentioned memories of his visit for the couple's wedding in 2004, sharing photos such as a floating village.

Photos/sources: FNN, TBS, Sankei

 

[Prisma]

Imperial family will visit Meiji Jingu to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the death of Empress Shoken. So far, the IHA has announced:

April 9: Emperor Naruhito, Emeritus couple, Crown Prince Akishino couple
April 10: Princess Aiko
April 12: Princess Kako

Empress Masako will attend depending on her physical condition.

Source: NTV

 

[Prisma]

More than 1,700 people have been invited to the spring garden party on April 23. Princess Aiko, who recently started a part-time job at the Japanese Red Cross Society, is currently coordinating her schedule to attend for the first time.

Although finger food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, the Imperial Household Agency will not serve grilled meat such as Jingisukan or Yakitori because those items are expected to attract long lines.

Sources: FNN, FNN2

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Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Emeritus couple and Crown Prince Akishino couple visited Meiji Jingu on April 9 to mark the 110th anniversary of Empress Shoken's death.

Photos: Getty Images, AP Images, Mainichi, FNN, FNN2

 

[Prisma]

On April 13th, the Emeritus couple, Crown Prince Akishino couple and Princess Kako privately attended a meeting related to the former Shimazu family at the Kasumi Kaikan (association of the former kazoku high nobility) in the Kasumigaseki Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Source: FNN

Photos of Emeritus couple: FNN

Screenshots of Akishino couple and Kako:

Shimazu relations to the Imperial family:

• Empress Kojun (Nagako)'s mother is Chikako Shimazu
• former Princess Suga (Takako) married 2nd cousin Hisanaga Shimazu